•T7-** y LAHORE FOR THE YEAR ] 887 , LAHORE : W. Ball & Co., Printers. 1888. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/annualreportofa1887amer_2 ■ Annu al Report ' e/ 4N pietptan ^jabjterian $ OCT 2*' 191 LAHORE FOR THE YEAR ]8S7, LAHORE : W. Ball & Co., Prin’tebs. 1888. co LAHORE STATION (Occupied in. 1840.) (Missionaries : Rkv. J. NEWTON. „ C. W. FORMAN. „ J. H. ORBISON, m.d. „ H. C. VELTE. Mrs. J. NEWTON. „ C. W. FORMAN. ,, J. H. ORBISON. Miss THIEDE. Rev. H. GOLAK NATH. Assistant Missionaries : Mrs. ANDERSON. Miss. R. HAHRIS. ,, E. HARRIS. 3?qeachers : (Paid and unpaid.) Rev. ISA CHARN. Mr. R. C. DAS. „ SUKH DTAL. Mr. A. ORR. Bhai YUSAF. Bhai PURAN, I. f Mr. G. CHRISTOPHER. <£hj’i$ti#n ^eacher^: Mr. R. C. DAS, Head Master. Mr. A. ORR. SOLOMON DAVID. „ K. C. BATTYE. ALLAH DIN. SANT RAM. lative Boctoi}. (Jolpor^euii. Mr. ISA DAS. Bhai PURAN, II. * The Rev. H. Golak Nath was in charge of Hoahiarpur Station during Mr. Chatterjee’s absence in America. t Mr. G. Christopher’s connection with the station ceased about the middle of the year. ANNUAL REPORT For tlie year 1887. In the Lahore District, in 1881, there was a popula- tion of 927,918, distributed as follows : — Muhammadans ... 599,497 Hindus ... 193,319 Sikhs ... 125,591 Jains 970 Europeans and Eurasians... ... 3,884 Native Christians ... ... 4,657 In the city of Lahore there is a population of about 150,000, distributed as follows : — Muhammadans ... ... ... 88,500 Hindus ... ... ... ... 55,000 Sikhs 5.627 Jains ... ... ... ... 227 Lahore has a history which reaches back through many centuries. It is one of the oldest cities of India, and per- haps the first in which Christian worship was established ; for it was visited by Portuguese Missionaries in 1584, during Akhbar’s reign ; and under the auspices of his successor, Jehangir, a Christian church was built here, relics of which may still be seen. Lahore has been making steady strides forward in the way of material improvement, and has advanced in influence and importance until it stands in the front rank of Indian cities, and is the chief city of Northern India. Hence it is a favorable site for Missionary agencies and institutions, and should be a stronghold of Mission work. The work of the station may be classified as follows : — 1. The Union Church and Sunday School. 2. The Mian Mir services. 3. The College, and the Boys’ Schools. 4. Preaching in Bazars and Chapels. 5. Mission Dispensary. 6. Girls’ Schools and Zenana work. 7. The work at Yagah. 8. The Native congregation. ( 2 ) The Union Church and Sunday School. The services in connection with the Union Church have been regularly conducted throughout the year, by Mr. Forman, Mr. Veltb and Dr. Orbison ; and of late Mr. New- ton, who has returned to the work with remarkable vigor, has been able occasionally to address the people on a Sab- bath evening. They are always glad to hear his voice. The congregation has been gradually increasing in number, so that frequently at the evening service chairs had to be placed in the aisles. Many new faces are seen — some as transient visitors, others as permanent hearers and adherents. We feel sure that if a regular pastor of the right stamp were chosen by the people to go in and out be- fore them, many who are now scattered would find a Chris- tian home, and the church would double itself in point of numbers and influence for good. The Sunday School has been in charge of Mr. Velt6. The number of scholars in attendance has been somewhat lessened this year, chiefly by removals to other places. But we find encouragement in the regular attendance and close attention of the children. Doubtless many of the lessons take good hold upon their impressible minds, and the out- come, in their own lives and in their future influence on society, will under God, be a blessed one. There is a touch- ing instance of this in the case of one of these little ones, a little fellow of 5 years, who being much interested in Bible stories innocently beguiles his great grandfather, a sceptic and unbeliever, into going over and over the history of those ancient men of God who all were heroes of faith. The people of the station kindly contributed the liberal sum of Its. 373 towards last year’s Christmas treat, at which Mr. Mackworth Young presided, and presented the gifts and prizes to the children in the presence of a large assembly. The contributions of the Sunday School during the year amounted to Rs. 40, of which Rs. 20 was voted to the gene- ral work of the Mission and Rs. 20 to the Mission College. The Mian Mir Services. These have been steadily kept up for the benefit of the Presbyterian and Wesleyan soldiers, and the attendance and interest have warranted their continuance. ( 3 ) The College and the Boys’ Schools. With regard to the latter, few changes are to be record- ed. One or two weak places in the teaching staff have been strengthened. There are now 588 boys in the main school, 549 boys in the branch schools, 55 students in night school for adults ; making a total of 1,192 pupils. The fees collect- ed during the year have amounted to Rs. 3,817. Number of boys passed the Entrance Examination ... 9 ,, ,, ,, Middle School ,, ... 15 ,, ,, D Upper Primary „ ... 45 „ ,, ,, Lower ,, ,, ... 83 „ ,, ,, Infant standard ,, ... 127 Five candidates were sent up for the Entrance Examin- ation of the Calcutta University, all of whom passed with credit. In the Entrance Examination of the Punjab University, one of the successful students stands high in the first division, with a scholarship of Rs. 14 per mensem. Daily the boys of the school are brought into contact with the truth as it is contained in the Word of God, and in our Christian hymns. The Gospel is sounded in their ears so that it can never be forgotten, and a new element enters into their lives which can never again bo wholly shut out. That process of fermentation which must ever go on repro- ducing itself has been started in many minds, and the signs of it are frequently coming to the surface. The College bids fair to be a success. In our last report we noted that a beginning had been made with only one class having 18 names on the roll. We have this year to report the incoming of another class. The former now numbers 32, the latter 36, making in all 68. A larger num- ber could not well be accommodated in our present quarters in the Rang Mahal. As it is we are hampered much by over- crowding. But we have to thank the Punjab Government, and especially the late Lieutenant-Governor, Sir C. U. Aitchison (always a warm friend to Christian education) for a generous building grant of Rs. 20,000 and the gift of one of the choicest sites in Lahore, centrally situated, and covering an area of nearly 5 acres. We are now prepared to break ground for the erection of a building suitable, well-appointed, and worthy to take equal rank with similar ( 4 ) institutions throughout India. But funds are needed to put the College upon a firm and enduring basis, to foundh-much- needed Scholarships, and to establish a good Library. We try ; s much as possible to come into personal con- tact with our pupils and to exhibit towards them a friendly sympathy, at the same time endeavoring to stamp all our teaching with the true spirit of Christianity, and seeking to drive the ploughshare of truth deep into their hearts and consciences. Religious instruction is systematically imparted and weekly lectures in English are given bearing on religi- ous topics. The lectures delivered during the year were as follows : — Key Chander Natii Banarjea— Fundamental truths of Christ- ianity. H. E. Perkins Esq., (ex -Commissioner) — Superstition and Faith. Rev. C. W. Forman— Reason and Religion. Rev. F. A. Sherriff — Man created in the image of God. Rev. H. Golak Nath — C hrist as God, Christ as Man. Rev. Mr. Lefrot (S. P. G.) — Christ the desire of all Nations. Dr. C. C. Caleb— Points of resemblance between Natural life and Spiritual life. Dr. C. C. Caleb— Points of contact between Science and Religion. Rev. If. C. Yelte — What is Greatness P Rev. C. W. Forman — The God of Reason and the God of the Bible. Rev. J. H. Orbison, m. d.— A talk on Student life in Princeton College. Rev. A. R. McDcff — The Oriental Christ. Rev. C. W. Forman — Christianity before Christ. Rev. J. H. Orbison, m. d. — Need of a Revelation. Rev. A. R. McDcff — Doctrine of the Trinity. Rev. H. S. Mutchmore, d. d. — America and its Institutions. E. Homan Esq. — The New Birth. Rev, H. C. Yelte — The Study of History. Rev. P. McKat— The recent Religious movement in the Scotch Universities. Rev. J. H. Orbison, u. d.-No conflict between Science and the Bible. We find the students openly preferring religious to non- religious or purely secular teaching. They show a growing inclination to give serious thought to the “ eternal veri- ties *’ and to become seekers after God. As their mental horizon widens they must inevitably throw off the shackles of their old faiths and superstitious. One of the brightest and most promising of them said not long ago voicing no doubt the sentiments of his class-fellows — “ We do not believe ( 5 ) in Hinduism ; we have no religion now, we are looking for a religion.” This is an interesting attitude hut an unsafe one : this is a transition period, therefore a critical one. Hence the vast importance of a patient and loving presentation of the Gospel in order to win over the young men who will exert a far-reaching influence on the future destinies of their country. "We are confident that many strong, though per- haps unseen, under-currents of thought and feeling are started and much good accomplished which only time can disclose. We should strive not only for foot-hold but for vantage ground ; we should labor, not for present fruitage alone, but also with a view to future harvests. Many wedges persistently and constantly thrust in, must at last split into pieces the huge mass. The Junior class, which numbers 36, has been drawn from the following sources : — Government Schools furnish ... ... ... 22 Muhammadan ,, ,, ... ... ... 3 Arya „ „ 2 Mission ,, ,, ... ... ... 9 This is a significant statement and goes to show that a large proportion of those whom we reach were not under religious influence before coming to us, and in reaching this class we feel that a work is being done which is second in importance to no other branch of Evangelistic effort. Preaching in Bazars and Chapels. This work has been regularly carried on in various parts of the city, to audiences which show little opposition, by Mr. Forman and Mr. Velte, assisted by the native brethren. Occasionally volunteer workers offer themselves who do good service, and we should like to see such reinforcements com- ing in greater numbers, and evincing greater interest in the salvation ot their fellow-countrymen. Cities are the citade’s of Satan, and the city people seem gospel-hardened and in- different ; but surely this bread cast upon the waters will return, though it be after many days. The Spirit worketh where He listeth, and souls are born into the Kingdom with- out our knowledge. ( 6 ) Mission Dispensary. The beneficence of this charity is well recognised by the people. The number of new patients was 10,515 ; of whom 5,115 were males, 1,565 females and 3,835 children. The total number of patients treated was about 16,000. Thirty cases of cholera were seen, of whom 10 were cured, 10 sent to the cholera hospital, and 10 died. A number of minor operations were performed. Every Saturday morn- ing alms are distributed at the dispensary to the blind, the lame, the aged and infirm ; and to these poor the Gospel is preached. The Bible is read and explained to the patients, while waiting, by a Catechist who is in attendance. Dr. Orbison has taken oversight of the dispensary, but much of the work is done by our good Christian doctor Isa Das. It is expected that a dispensary for women will be opened by Mrs. Isa Das, who will graduate shortly from the Lahore Medical College. Girls’ Schools, and Zenanas. Mrs. Anderson, Miss E. Harris and Miss R. Harris, assisted by a Bible woman, have charge of this work. There are 16 schools with 417 scholars, some of whom are women who surprise one by their love of study, holding their babies with one hand, and with their slates in their laps, writing their exercises with the other hand. Ten girls passed the Lower Primary Standard, and receive scholarships of Rs. 2 per mensem. This doubtless will be a great inducement, as well as a great incentive. Here and there are interesting evidences that the name of Christ and the story of His sufferings have taken hold on the heart. Mrs. Anderson writes : “ On showing one day a picture of the Lord’s Supper, after first relating the inci- dents of that memorable occasion, and repeating the words of our Lord ; one above others being deeply moved, called to some near by to come and hear : “ You have lost a treat,’ she said, and added, * This is the same hand which comforted the poor woman who washed His feet with her tears, when He said I am come save not the righteous but sinners.” They often beg to hear this subject, and will not let me come away.” ( 7 ) Discouragements also are sometimes met with. Miss R. Harris writes : — “ In one of my Muhammadan schools, I had four intelligent promising girls, who used to listen to the Bible stories and remember them very well. The Catechism and Bible verses were also committed to memory perfectly. They used to repeat the Bible stories and verses at home. This alarmed their mother w’ho said, ‘I cannot let you attend a Mission School any longer, for you are sure to become Christians, like your uncle.’ So she withdrew them and sent them to the Government School.” There are 16 Zenanas visited by a Bible woman ; whereas Miss Thiedf had close upon 100 Zenanas before going t» Vagali. The urgent need of some one to take up this special branch of our work is plain. The Village Mission at Vagali. Starting from Vagah as a centre, many villages in the district have been visited, and the field has been opening up in a very encouraging and hopeful way ; so much so, that it behoves us to go forward and thrust in the sickle. Miss Thiede who took charge of this work has been able to carry it on with her usual energy and fervor. A Boys’ School has been started with 26 names on the roll ; also a Girls’ School, with 16 names on the roll. Fcr the former a good Christian teacher is needed. Young men who labor in the fields during the day, have asked that an evening school be started for their benefit. A school-house has just been erected, in which the whole village took a great interest, even the children being eager to carry bricks. A new dispensary was built early in the year, from which medicine has been dis- pensed to about 4,000 people ; while many more heard the gospel, especially women, who came in large numbers from other villages. There were collected in- the Medical box Rs. 60. One man and his family have been declared enemies of the Christians, and have even gone so far as to threaten Miss Thiede’s life. The man, though notoriously wicked, has a good deal of influence, — largely because the people fear him. The friction between this family and the Christians increased until a riot was created ; both parties resorted to blows, and ( 3 ) the son of one of the Christians was killed. Tins has been a great grief, but we trust the result will be good and not evil, and we are glad to report that on the whole the conduct and life of these poor low -caste converts has much improved. There were many enquirers during the year. Eight families in one village and three in another village were under instruction, but were so oppressed, persecuted and threatened, that their teaching had to be suspended, only temporarily we hope. However, it is gratifying to state that nine adults and eight children were baptized, and many others have been anxious to receive baptism. Miss Tiiikde says : “ Travelling in the train with some well-to-do Muhammadans, they asked me how it was that at this time so many low caste people are becoming Christians. I replied that in this world the rich and the high-caste people are the first, and poor low-castes are the last ; but it is different in the Kingdom of the Lord ; there the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. Now all the low castes will become Christians, and the high-castes and rich will come afterwards. ‘But, why should we be the tail/ said one. ‘Well then,’ said I, ‘ if you do not like that, then hurry on to the front. The Lord says, Whosoever comes to me I will not cast out, — even though he be a rich man and of high-caste, — but come you must with all your heart.’ It is a glorious Gospe} which saves poor sinners and makes them clean and good.” The Native Congregation. While one of the Missionaries has the pastoral care of the Church, the services are conducted as before, sometimes by the older Missionaries, and sometimes by one or other of the elders, viz., Messrs. It. C. D as, G. S. Lewis, Dr. Isa Das, and occasionally by Mr. Sukh Dyal, one of the Deacons. These brethren cheerfully aid in trying thus to edify the Church, but want of health during the past year has prevented Mr. Lewis from doing as much as before, and cataract in both eyes has prevented Dr. Isa Das from studying, and thus he has been debarred from giving much help. The Wednesday evening service has latterly been of the nature of a Bible reading, the leader taking some new Scrip- tural topic every week. His plan is to name in succession ( 9 ) certain passages m which there is a reference to the subject under consideration, and asking members of the congregation to read them aloud. These are quickly turned up and read, sometimes by one and sometimes by another. On each passage, when read, the leader comments briefly. In this way he gives the people an idea of the fulness of the Bible teaching on all important subjects. This method seems to be highly appreciated. The Sunday School, taught chiefly by Mr. Sukh Dyal and Mr. Dass, was suspended for a time, on account of the illness of the Superintendent. It has lately been revived, but the number of pupils is small. Their study at present is the Gospel of John. Tho monthly concert in prayer for Missions, on the first Monday of the month, was suspended for a time, but has been begun again. The weekly prayer meetings of the native brethren on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, have been well kept up throughout the year. The number of admissions to the Communion of the Church on confession of Christ during the year is ten, one of whom is of Christian parentage, and nine are converts from heathenism. The number of names dropped from the list of communicants is sixteen — eleven having been dismissed to other Churches in a regular way, and four having gone to parts unknown. The names now standing on the register number 88, while the adherents of all classes, including the boarders in the Girls’ school, bring up the total to 168. It is an encouraging sign, that the members of the con- gregation, with the help of the Missionaries, have given a con- tribution of Rs. 175 toward the Centennial Fund of one mil- lion dollars which our Board at Horae are endeavoring to raise this year for Foreign Missions. We regret to state that the Church has not yet been placed upon an independent basis in the matter of calling and supporting its own pastor but hope to see this accomplished in the near future. Finally, we commend our work to the interest, sympathy and prayers of Christian friends in Lahore and elsewhere; desiring at the same time to express our thanks for their kindness in the past. ( 10 ) LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS. Rs. Rs. Aitchison, Sir Charles and Brought up ...2,266 Lady — 150 Holroyd, Col. ... 25 Albert, Mr. R. T. ... 22 Hem Raj, Lalla 3 Amar Nath, Pundit 12 Homan, Mr. E. ... 80 Anderson, Mr. R. B. ... 10 Hursukh Rai, Lala 2 Andrews, Mr. J. ... 22 Jeffries, Mr. E. 8 Attfield, Mr. J. S. ... 5 Kanhva Lai, Rai Bahadur 4 Bailey, Mr. F. 25 Lvall, Mr. J. B. Lt.-Governor 75 Barklev, Mr. D. G. 300 (1,000 Laville, Mr. L. ... 24 for College) 1,300 Lewis, Mr. G. S. ... 24 Brown, Dr. T. E. B. 00 Mathews, Mr. G. 8 Brandreth, Mr. A.... 16 Munrowd, Mr. A. H. H. ... 18 Baden Powell, Mr. H. B. 100 Maitland, Mr. F. ... 80 Caleb, Dr. C. C. 11 Oliver, Mr. W. J. ... 20 Chalmers, Mr. J. M. 2 Penhearow, Mr. E. ... 12 Chatterjee, Mr. G. N. 20 Prem Nath, Pundit 5 Chesti, Moharam Ali 1 Rattigan, Mr. W. H. ... 21 Channing, Mr. F. C. 50 Robson, Mr. J. 8 Conlan, Mrs. 1 Kant iSingh, Lala 3 Chandu Lai, Lala ... 7 Seva Singh, Sahib 2 Coldstream, Mr. W. 50 J. D. S. 2 Davies, Mr. J. J. ... 16 Sinkinson, Mr. E. J. 5 Dyal Singh, Sirdar 16 Sartorious, Mrs. E 2 Dickson, Dr. W. P. 40 Ten Broeke, Mrs. 1 French, Rt. Rev. Bishop T. V 50 Taucred, Mr. R. IV. 20 Fenton. Mr. \Y. M. 2 Tasca, Miss 24 Flinn, Mr. E. 6 Unknown ... 12 Golak Nath, Mr. C. 22 Union Church ... 300 Groves, Maior B. C. 100 Union Church Sunday School 40 Hutchinson, Genl. Geo. 100 Walker, Mr. G. ... 15 Harris, Miss 14 W. E. ... 32 Harris, Mr. W. A.... 2 Young, Mr. W. M. ... 100 Hayward, Mr. J. ... 20 B. J. 6 Hodgkinson, Mr. E. 14 J. B. 1 D. C. 6 Total 2,266 Total ... 3,254 CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE WORK AT YAGAH. Rs. Rs. Brought up 120 General R. Brownlow. be ... 40 Miss Kimmin8 ... 5 Mrs. Butterworth ... 15 Miss Ziminarman 4 Mrs. Coldstream ... 6 A Friend (for needy native Mrs. Dickson 15 Christians) ... 10 Mrs. St. Dalmas 10 Mrs. Mackworth Young... 5 Col. Ross 16 Mrs. Maya Das... 2 Rev. Patterson 10 Mrs. Ashrafi Ali 1 Rev. Lawrence 5 Mrs. Isa Das ... 1 Miss McPhun 5 Other Friends ... 31-5 Total 120 Total 151-15